Expensive Cities in Europe: Which Are the Most Costly to Visit?
Look, I’m staring at a receipt for a pint I just bought. It was expensive. But it’s nothing—nothing—compared to the financial trauma I endured last summer. You want to know where your bank account goes to die in Europe? I’ve got the list. I’ve got the scars. I’ve got a maxed-out credit card to prove it.
I’m dictating this while the memory is fresh and the beer is cold, so forgive me if I ramble. If you’re planning a trip, you need to hear the ugly truth. Not the Instagram truth. The “I just paid $9 for water” truth.
Switzerland: The Gold-Plated Toblerone
Everyone says Switzerland is beautiful. And it is. It’s frustratingly perfect. The air smells like money and pine needles. But here’s what they don’t tell you: I literally cried in a Coop supermarket in Zurich.
I just wanted a sandwich. A sad, pre-packaged ham sandwich. It was 14 Swiss Francs. That’s like… fifteen US dollars? For ham!
The Reality: I took a wrong turn near Interlaken—my fault, I was looking at a cow—and missed my train. The trains there don’t wait. They leave at 14:03:00. Not 14:03:10. I had to wait an hour in the rain, shivering, eating that overpriced sandwich.
- The Vibe: Everything works perfectly, and you pay for that privilege.
- The Mistake I Made: I ordered fondue for one. Don’t do it. You’ll sweat cheese for three days.
- Sensory Detail: The silence. It’s so quiet in the mountains that it hurts your ears. Until a cowbell scares the life out of you.
Norway: Beautiful, Wet, and bankrupting
I love Norway. I really do. But Oslo treated my wallet like a piñata. I went to a bar in the Grünerløkka district—a hip place, lots of beards—and ordered a burger and a beer. The bill came. I thought it was the code to the bathroom. It was $45.
The Survival Tactic: Here is the only way to survive Norway without selling a kidney: 7-Eleven hot dogs. I’m serious. The pølse (hot dog) wrapped in a tortilla thing (lompe)? It was my breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days.
- Weather Report: It rained sideways in Bergen. My umbrella turned inside out within four minutes. I looked like an idiot tourist. I was an idiot tourist.
- The View: The Fjords are worth it. Even when you’re soaked to the bone and eating convenience store meat.
Iceland: The Land of Fire, Ice, and $100 Gas Tank Fill-ups
Iceland is like being on Mars, if Mars had really expensive wool sweaters. I rented a camper van. “It’ll be cheap,” I said. “I’ll cook my own food,” I said. Hah.
First of all, the hot water in the shower smells like rotten eggs because of the sulfur. You get used to it, but that first morning shower? terrifying.
The “Oh No” Moment: I didn’t realize how strong the wind was. I opened the car door at a black sand beach near Vík, and the wind nearly ripped the door off its hinges. I had to hold it with both hands, screaming. Also, gas prices there? Let’s not talk about it. I’m getting a headache.
- Pro Tip: Don’t buy the bottled water. The tap water is literally the purest stuff on earth. I saw a guy buying a pallet of Evian in Reykjavik, and I wanted to shake him.
Denmark (Specifically Copenhagen)
Copenhagen is cool. Too cool. Everyone is blonde, tall, and riding a bicycle at 40 miles per hour. I almost died three times crossing the street. The bike lanes are not suggestions; they are highways of death if you step off the curb without looking.
Dining Disaster: I went to Nyhavn—you know, the place with the colorful houses on the postcards. Tourist trap central. I sat down, ordered a herring smørrebrød and a Carlsberg. The sun was shining. I felt great until I paid.
- The Smell: Fresh cardamom buns everywhere. You can’t resist them. You’ll spend $6 on a bun, and you won’t even regret it because it tastes like butter and happiness.
Honorable Mention: Monaco
I went for a day trip. I felt dirty just being there in my sneakers. I bought a Coke at a cafe near the Casino. It came in a glass bottle on a silver tray.
It cost 12 Euros. I drank it in small sips to make it last. I watched a guy crash a Ferrari 458 gently into a Bentley. That was the highlight.
Is Eastern Europe Still Cheap?
People tell you, “Go to Prague! Go to Budapest! It’s dirt cheap!” It was. Ten years ago. Now? I went to Prague last fall. The Old Town Square is a mosh pit. And the “traditional” chimney cakes (Trdelník)? They aren’t even Czech! They’re a tourist sugar-bomb scam. But I ate two of them. Because I have no self-control.
- The Real Talk: Accommodation in the center of these cities is creeping up to Western prices. You gotta go further out. Take the tram. Get lost in a neighborhood where the menus don’t have pictures. That’s where the cheap beer is.
How I Keep From Starving (My “Tips”)
Look, if you’re going to these places, you have to swallow your pride.
- Walk everywhere. Taxis in Switzerland are for diplomats and drug lords. Not you.
- Picnics are life. I have eaten more cheese and crackers on park benches in the rain than I care to admit. It feels romantic for the first 20 minutes. Then it just feels damp.
- Drink the house wine. Or better yet, supermarket wine. In France or Italy, a €4 bottle from the store is better than the $20 stuff back home.
Okay, I’m gonna order another beer. This one is on me. Cheers.
FAQs For Europe’s Priciest Destinations: Expensive Cities in Europe
What are the most expensive cities in Europe to visit?
Some of the most expensive cities in Europe include Zurich, Oslo, and Copenhagen. These cities are known for their high cost of living, with daily expenses averaging around €165 per day or more. Each city offers unique attractions and experiences that contribute to its high travel costs.
Which European countries are considered the most expensive?
Countries like Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark are often regarded as some of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe. The high cost of accommodation, dining, and transportation can significantly impact your travel budget when visiting these destinations.
What is the average cost of accommodation in expensive cities in Europe?
The average cost of accommodation can vary widely among expensive cities in Europe. For example, staying in Zurich or Oslo can cost upwards of €177 per day, while cities like Amsterdam may offer slightly more affordable options, averaging around €165 per day.
Which destinations in Europe are known for their high travel costs?
Destinations like Venice, Mykonos, and Geneva are notorious for being among the most expensive tourist destinations in Europe. Travelers should be prepared for high costs associated with attractions, dining, and lodging in these beautiful cities.
How can I save money while traveling in expensive European cities?
To save money while traveling in expensive cities like Oslo and Copenhagen, consider staying in hostels or using Airbnb for accommodation. Additionally, utilize public transport and seek out local eateries instead of dining at tourist hotspots to keep travel costs down.
What are some budget-friendly alternatives to expensive cities in Europe?
If you’re looking for budget-friendly alternatives, consider visiting cities like Budapest or Prague. These cities offer rich cultural experiences and beautiful sights without the high costs associated with popular destinations like Zurich or Oslo.
What is the cost of living in cities like Oslo and Bergen?
The cost of living in cities like Oslo and Bergen is quite high, with average daily expenses often reaching around €169 per day. This includes costs for food, transportation, and accommodation, making it essential to budget carefully when planning your visit.
Are there any picturesque cities in Europe that are also expensive?
Yes, many picturesque cities in Europe are also expensive, such as Venice and Geneva. These cities are known for their stunning scenery and significant tourist interest, which often drives up the cost of visiting and staying in the area.
What should I expect in terms of daily expenses when visiting Europe?
When visiting Europe, you should expect daily expenses to vary depending on the city. In expensive cities like Amsterdam and Zurich, daily costs can range from €162 to €241 per day, while more affordable cities may offer a lower average cost of around €153 per day.
